This story takes place in the sleepy town of Maycomb, Alabama. Taking place during the depression era, not many people have work, such as the Cunningham family, and they live off the land through agricultural labors. Others, such as Atticus Finch, are fortunate enough to have a job, as he is the town lawyer, and represents the county often at State legislative events.

Summers are hot, and winters are generaly mild, although there is an instance of the first light snow in nearly 100 years at one point in the summer. Miss Maudie Atkinson complains because the frost might destroy her plants.

It is a poor town economically, but rich with culture and character. The black members of the community live across the tracks in an area called "the quarters", while the white people live close by in town.

This story is set in Maycomb County, Alabama. The way of life is slow and casual, although there are social standards in place which most of the residents adhere to: The lack of noise allowed on Sunday afternoons by Aunt Alexandra is a good example of such standards. The town is full of the usual cast of characters for such a setting: the town drunk, the town outcast, the town gossip, and so forth. Maycomb County is in many ways the stereotypical southern town of the 1930s; poor, but proud. The few people who are not financially struggling represent some of the town's more affluent citizens, Atticus included, who tells Scout that they are poor, though not as poor as some other families.

Where: Maycomb, Alabama (a small town that is home to working class people, as well as those whom the depression has hit even harder.) The streets are wide, hard packed earth. It is described as "sleepy" and there is a river that flows near it.

When: Depression; the story takes place over several years, focusing on the summer months, but with flashbacks to other times/significant events.